Strategies For Performing Live Music

By Eric Lapin


Performing reside, or overall performance e practice, as I prefer to simply call it, is generally a lost art. Musicians seem to feel that as long as they are remarkable musicians/songwriters/singers then people today will come to see them play. Sadly, this isn't the situation. Several of them simply don't know what to perform in front on the microphone. Right here are a couple of guidelines.

One. Apply like you perform. Sports gamers know this. Actors know this. The military understands this. Classical musicians largely know this. Comedians know this. In some way it stops there. Indie and folk musicians do not appear to take this as literally. I recently attended a seminar with Grant Lawrence of CBC Radio 3. He suggested that musicians practice EVERYTHING for their performances - including inter-song patter, introductions, thank yous, set list order. This is so that everything you do on stage is second nature. If necessary, set up your mics and speakers. Apply singing into the microphone. Apply talking into the microphone.

2. Have strong stage presence. You could be the best band on earth, but if you're boring to watch, the audience will leave. Take up the stage. Be excited to be there, and impart that to the audience. Some of this is a confidence issue. Not used to it and wondering what to perform to make it easier? See the first point: Practice.

3. Know when to acknowledge the audience. I've seen quite a few, a lot of bands who do this prematurely. You don't thank the audience the minute you finish playing and inside dead space between your last note and their applause. Wait for them to acknowledge you with their applause. It's a constant trade of thanks and acknowledgment. The audience has paid to find out you perform. In return, you play music that they like. In return, they applaud. You then, acknowledge their applause by thanking them. Saying "thank you" before the audience has applauded makes you look unprofessional, naive, and presumptuous. Err within the side of being humble.

4. Get to know your fans after the show. Stick around once you've finished playing. Talk to folks who purchase your CD, or who hang around while you're packing up gear. If they have a great experience talking to you, they'll probably tell all of their friends, which may mean your fan base grows by that lots of more men and women. Otherwise, they are left feeling snubbed. Good luck, and happy carrying out!




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